EXTREMADURA

Extremadura, the most western of the interior provinces of Spain borders Portugal and runs north of Cadiz  along the border until it reaches Castilla y Leon. It is a  region of outstanding beauty dating to a pre-Roman era

Two important rivers, the Tagus and the Guadiana, cross the region from east to west. The Tagus feeds the huge Alcantara reservoir, which is the largest in western Europe. Its size is such that it could supply every inhabitant in the world with 500 liters of water. 

Extremadura's history is known to date back to pre-Roman times when cave dwellers lived in the area. Over time many civilizations left their mark in the region. Roman history is to be found in Merida while Caceres has been appointed a Heritage of Mankind city and contains a wealth of historical monuments. Caceres has adapted itself to the new influx of tourists and has made exploring its narrow streets and beautiful squares a pleasure.

Trujillo, located just 45 km east of Cáceres, is a beautiful walled town dated from the 13th century and is one of the best places to visit in the region.

Some of our clients have stayed for several nights at the Parador in Guadalupe and toured the Gothic monastery that dominates this lovely village.  Others have written a novel and painted at the Garden of La Vera and at Plasencia.

madrid and nearby cities

To the East of northern Exremadura lies Madrid and Old Spain. Here several cities compose the heart of Castilian Spain. For our readers we have grouped these as Madrid and easy day trips Segovia, Avila and Toledo. After these we continue north to the interior region of Castilla y Leon (Castilla and Leon).

MADRID- Life in the capital city picks up each night about 10 and runs to dawn. You need to set your evening activities on a different than usual clock! In winter the days are fine for museums, parks and day trips while in summer early morning and after 4:30 are better times for explorations. Day trips in summer should be made only in air-conditioned vehicles. Outside of late June-early September when temperatures can reach 110 degrees, the city is delightful 24 hours a day.

Things to see in any season should include The Royal Palace built by Phillip V who was raised in Versailles and who modeled his residence on both Versailles and Italian influences. Avoid Wednesdays, as it is the free day for Spanish residents. Always check on open days since the Royal Family for state events uses the palace.  Prices are half of those in Italy or France for all museums and palaces.  Open daily with early closing (15h00) on Sundays.

Henri and I love the museum Centro Reina Sofia with its epic painting “Guernica” by Picasso and three other rooms of his art.  In addition, in room 10 you find awe inspiring Dali paintings. With its shaded courtyard and easy access you can preview your visit at www.museoreinasofia.mcu.es.  This is necessary as there are no English tours at the museum.

The Prado - pride of a nation with 3,000 canvases of the world’s outstanding artists including El Greco, Goya, Bosch, Rubins. Raphael, Titian, and Durer to mention but a few from across Europe. Expect very tight security and low prices- 3 Euros and free on Sundays and always free to seniors over 65 and youths under 18.  Tours in 7 languages are good buys for 10 Euros and audio guides 3 Euros.

An Afternoon at Retiro Park - A Great Sunday Experience
Directly behind the Prado lies the lake and park designed for King Philip IV but opened to the public about 1830.  Each Sunday entertainers perform for the boaters, pedestrians, cyclists and roller skaters. Here you mingle with young and old, rich and poor, native speakers and world travelers at the open-air bars and on the steps of the lake.

And another outing in the capital

El Rastro is Europe’s biggest flea market and it also boasts some of Europe’s best thieves. Take only cash you wish to spend and secure it on your body – not in a purse or unzipped wallet pocket! Open Sundays and Holidays from 09h00 to15h00 the best times and goods are at 9h00 to 11h00.

Walking routes, best Tapas stops and day by day suggestions are all provided for our clients along with day trip suggestions and overnight options.

 Day Trip- El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen-

This is a picture of the gold-plated roof of the Pantheon and El Escorial Monastery / Palace.  From1563 to 1584 all the wealth of Spain was spent to complete this most “catholic” of palaces that at the time was also the seat of the Spanish Inquisition. In the Pantheon de los Reyes you will find the bodies of almost every King of Spain including Isabelle.  All royal spouses and children have separate chambers

Unlike most state-owned ancient monasteries the Monastery of St. Lorenzo at El Escorial is an active religious community. Tourists are restricted to the grounds and main floor and the basilica is closed during religious ceremonies.

While the Valley of the Dead is suppose to honor all who died in the 1930’s Civil War it is in reality Franco’s tribute to himself and was build by conquered Republican survivors of the war.

Other Day Trip Destinations:

TOLEDO - When Henri and I visited, the first time since his childhood, in 1978 the first Jewish families had just returned to this remarkable city after centuries of exile. Once a city where Jews, Christians and Arabs resided peacefully together, Toledo still retains a very different atmosphere that either Andalusia or the rest of Castile.

We strongly advise at least two full days to absorb this city, its ramparts, gates, cathedral and the 14^th century Spanish-Jewish Synagogue of Samuel ha-Levi (El Transito). Nancyhelen’s favorite: the sky inspired El Greco paintings.

SEGOVIA – Sitting over 3,800 feet above sea level Segovia is a great reminder of Roman and Spanish ingenuity. Here Isabella promised Columbus the funds to explore toward the west. Here also the Roman’s left a teriffic aqueduct still in use.

A fast train ride from Madrid allows one to explore even in summer this laid back ancient town.

AVILA – Walled fortifications and Mystic Saints
Avila was one of the wealthiest cities of Spain in the middle ages and her fortified walls are still impressive. For those familiar with the life and works of the Catholic Saint, Teresa of Avila, her descriptions of her travels to and from her birth city come alive in a visit to her home and convent. There are several orders of cloistered nuns and the temple fortress Cathedral to draw your interest. Also a new modern mall off the motorway where we have found good bargains during our more recent trips.

We suggest a walk from the center of town to the four posts where you have excellent views of the walls especially when lit each night.

INTERIOR NORTHERN SPAIN IS COMPOSED OF TWO MAJOR REGIONS- CASTILLA Y LEON AND ARAGON

CASTILLA Y LEON – Since 1983 the two regions have been united into the largest region of Spain dotted with several ancient cities amidst miles of natural parks and forests or oak and cork. In the cities of Burgos, Salamanca, Zamora, and Leon the medieval monasteries, castles and fortified towns break the long drive north to the coastal provinces.  Most European and American travelers spend far less time in this area than the rest of Spain. Religious historians and pilgrims often have us plan specific trips to selected sites for research and mystic experiences.

ARAGON in Northeastern Spain while rich in history is also a dry and semi-desert land with little natural charm.  On the route between Madrid and Barcelona the city of Zaragoza is a central depot for train connections as well as a break in the long drive. Having made this drive often our suggestion is take the train!

Each year this traditional land of bull fighting explodes into racing bulls and bull fights all of September.

The two best known rulers of Aragon were Catherine of Aragon who died at the hands of her husband, Henry the Eighth of England, and Ferdinand of Aragon husband of Queen Isabella of Castille (Spain).

In the northeastern portion of Castilla the Pyrenees house the Posets-Maladeta Nature Reserve with the highest summits in Spain. Two other major national parks border along the eastern end of the French/Spanish borders. In these pre-historic cave paintings and rare breeds of animals draw the adventurous tourist.